Fez

Morocco

Fez Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in use.

Language

Arabic is the official language, but eight other languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is more widely spoken.

Travel Health

No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. Those who may be
at risk of animal bites or who will be coming into contact with
bats should consider a rabies vaccination, and all travellers are
advised to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and
typhoid.

It is advisable to drink bottled water and raw or uncooked meat.
Avoid swimming, wading, or rafting in bodies of fresh water. The
beaches around Casablanca are polluted and considered unsafe for
swimming. Medical facilities are decent in all major cities but can
be extremely limited in rural areas. Health insurance is essential.
All required medications should be taken along, in their original
packaging, and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a
doctor detailing what they are and why they are needed.

Tipping

A tip of 10 to 15 percent is expected in the more expensive bars
and restaurants, though some establishments do include a service
charge. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few
dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded.
Nevertheless, visitors should note that tips are the only income
for some porters and guides.

Safety Information

Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but there have
been some incidents of theft at knife point in major cities and on
beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at
night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should
display an official badge from the local tourist authorities.

Historically, most visits to Morocco are trouble-free; however,
as of 30 May 2017, the British Foreign Office has sent out a travel
warning due to a wave of daily protests in northern Morocco which
has resulted violence. As a result, travellers should plan their
trips carefully and consult a travel agent or tour advisor before
finalising their travel plans.

The touts and merchants can get quite pushy and confrontational
so visitors should be firm in refusing goods or services. There
have been reports of female travellers struggling with unwanted
attention from Moroccan men, and it is considered a difficult
country to travel in alone as a woman.

Local Customs

Morocco is a Muslim country and it is preferable to keep the
wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the
beach or hotel poolside. Women travelling alone will generally be
hassled less if dressed conservatively. Smoking is practiced
widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social
situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly
during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking
during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the
Muslim culture. Several foreigners were expelled in 2010 for
alleged proselytising. The giving and receiving of things, and the
eating of food, should only be done with the right hand, as the
left is considered unclean. Homosexuality is a criminal offence,
and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by
law.

Business

Business in Morocco has been influenced by France and therefore
tends to be conducted formally, with an emphasis on politeness.
Dress is formal, and women in particular should dress
conservatively. Most business is conducted in French, although some
English is spoken. It is best to ascertain beforehand what language
the meeting will be in, and arrange an interpreter as needed.
Visitors are expected to be punctual, though meetings may not start
on time. Moroccans are friendly and enjoy socialising; trust and
friendship are an important part of business dealings so be
prepared to engage in small talk. A handshake is common when
arriving and departing. Women may encounter some sexism in
business, although this is starting to change. Most businesses are
closed on Fridays, and some are also closed on Thursdays.

Communications

The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use. Hotels can add a hefty
surcharge to their telephone bills so it is best to check before
making long international calls. Mobile GSM 900/1800 networks cover
the north of the country with some 3G and 4G/LTE coverage. Internet
cafes are widely available in tourist areas.

Duty Free

Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1
litre wine; and perfume up to 5g.

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